In the mid-1970s (when smoking weed was illegal everywhere), Southern Illinois University in Carbondale was known throughout collegiate circles as the Pot Capital of the Midwest. Is the pendulum poised to swing back some 40 years later?
The Carbondale City Council appears ready to legalize recreational use of pot upon that opportunity becoming reality for cities in Illinois at the start of the new year. One Council member is beyond bullish on the concept to attract visitors to Carbondale.
According to a recent story in the Journal Gazette-Times Courier, "I think it puts heads in beds," Adam Loos said, adding that it would attract people between the age of 40 and 60 years old. "You'd be surprised how many people in that age smoke pot," he said. He also thinks it will help student recruitment at SIU.
It certainly encouraged a lot of visits in the '70s.
So many places are legalizing it, I don't see where tourism is going to make any difference. What I want to see are some competitions between growers to see who grows the best sh*t. They have contests for wine and beer. Pot is the next logical choice.
Posted by: RonNasty64 | September 30, 2019 at 13:13
I don't think it will be tourism driver they believe it will be either...unless Illinois can figure out how visitors that aren't from the area and staying in hotels can enjoy their purchase outside the dispensary. And, like gaming...once it's legal everywhere, it ceases to become a magnet.
Posted by: Bill Geist | September 30, 2019 at 13:32